Fitting A Cat Flap
It might seem daunting to install a cat flap but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. Find out how high you'd like the cat flap (normally it's located at the belly height). Note this on the door, and use the template as a reference to drill.
If you have a young kitten, prop the door open very slightly and gradually push it to pass through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to move into and out of your home as it likes. This will keep your cat healthy since it ensures that it is exercising regularly and also be able to go back inside if it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you have to let it out or in. It can keep your home safe by allowing you to know when it's been out.
It is essential to make sure that the cat flap is installed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the size of the doorway in your home to ensure the flap is at the correct height. You can alter the height of your flap when your cat is smaller or cat flap fitting taller than the average.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door, where you will put the flap. Then, using the marks as an outline, cut the contour of your flap using the help of a Jigsaw. Once you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are required.
The process of installing a window cat flap flap is not as difficult as you may think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire task from start to the end. The process can be slightly more challenging if you need to install it on a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors come in different thicknesses, which can impact the way that holes are cut. We always recommend that you call an expert for your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is particularly helpful when you're at work all day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home in all weathers.
If you want to fit a cat flap insulation flap on your door, it is essential that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. While it may seem to be a simple task, it is crucial to measure the right way or your pet will find it very difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to hold them in a position where they are not able to move, and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not bending in any place. You can take a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to look at the door and decide where to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also avoid the flap from making lots of noise when it opens and closes.
You must think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This makes fitting the flap for your cat more difficult, as you have to make sure that the hole is the right size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will help you to determine where the opening needs to be and also ensure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. It is also beneficial to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is placed flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door panel for your cat flap before you can attach it. This is a difficult job, and it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional cat flap fitting (Read This method) service for this job should you not have the expertise or knowledge to do it yourself. It is also recommended to consult the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to discover how to do this correctly.
To do this, you have to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as an indicator point. As a rule of thumb, place the cat flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the stomach for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap without difficulty and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Once you've determined the best location for the cat flap to be located, mark the location on the door using a pencil. If your kit comes with the template put it on top of the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. After that, you'll be able to cut the template and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you can do this yourself if you are comfortable with the jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut through any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a circle or square depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is made, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure that it is solidly secured. If it features caps on the screws, then place these caps onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to go through by placing a small amount of double glazing cat flap food in front of the door. You can also push the cat using sticks or your hand. Once your pet is used to moving through the flap, it will be able to move in and out as it pleases and you should be able to let it in or out without having to be there to open the door to allow it in all day (and potentially in any weather).
It is possible to install an animal flap into an UPVC door or cat flap fitting glass door, but it's not as simple as installing one in a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the flap's hole, and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
The mounting kit could contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to make one by yourself. When cutting, it is important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too to the point that you create a bigger hole than is necessary in your door.
Most cat flap in bifold doors flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are some that are circular and these are generally more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is located in the right place on your door. If not, your cat might not be able to use it, and could be locked outside for the entire day (or night).
Some cat flaps come with locks that permit you to control the time your cat comes and goes. They are helpful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. Certain locks can be used to lock entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for sick or elderly cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.